BY GAUTAM RAMCHANDANI| APRIL 21, 2025 | Sustainability : The Fight Against GHGs
The climate clock is ticking. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), nations must collectively reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 and 57% by 2035 to stay within the 1.5°C global warming threshold outlined in the Paris Agreement. Failing to meet this target could result in a catastrophic rise in global temperatures, between 2.6°C and 3.1°C, by the end of this century. The consequences of such a trajectory are not just distant projections—they are very real threats to ecosystems, climate stability, and the global economy.
The Emission Crisis Is Real
These aren’t just numbers on a report—they are warnings. To achieve a 57% carbon emissions reduction by 2035, we need a global average drop of 7.5% every year. Yet emissions continue to rise. In 2023 there was an increase of 1.1% and in 2024 it increase by 0.8% If we continue down this path, we will face increasingly severe climate change impacts.
Exceeding the 1.5°C limit is more than just a symbolic failure—it will lead to worsening extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and irreversible damage to biodiversity. Melting glaciers, floods, droughts, wildfires, and disrupted agriculture will become more frequent and more devastating. Food production, especially in climate-vulnerable regions, will be jeopardised. Public health risks such as air pollution, heat-related illness, and vector-borne diseases will rise. Economic damage from climate disasters and mass displacement may cause social unrest. At 3°C warming, the global consequences would be catastrophic.
A Call to Action: Individual Responsibility
Many assume that addressing the climate crisis is the responsibility of governments and corporations. While climate policy and corporate sustainability initiatives are essential, they alone won’t be fast enough. We must also embrace individual climate action—because our daily habits matter.
It is estimated that the weighted average person globally emits around 4.5 metric tons of CO₂ annually. To offset that, each person would need to plant about 205 trees per year for the rest of their life.
Small Changes with Big Impact
Switching to more energy efficient vehicles, using introducing renewable energy at home, reducing meat consumption, and embracing sustainable lifestyle choices can all have a major effect. And while some changes may come with a financial cost, some are free and immediately actionable. Yes ! The truth is its easier said than done, however one of the most effective frameworks for eco-friendly living is the “5 R’s”: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Rot, and Recycle.
- Refuse: Avoid single-use plastics and unnecessary consumption to cut down on carbon-intensive production.
- Reduce: Limit your use of resources, from water and electricity to clothing and electronics.
- Reuse: Repair or donate items instead of throwing them away, reducing waste emissions.
- Rot: Composting organic waste keeps it out of landfills and cuts methane emissions.
- Recycle: Divert waste from landfills and reduce reliance on virgin materials with recycling best practices.
These steps help minimise household carbon emissions and help support a zero-waste lifestyle.
Measure, Reduce, Offset
Start by measuring your carbon footprint using free online carbon calculators. These tools break down your emissions by categories like transportation, energy, food, and shopping. Once you understand your impact, you can make informed changes and explore carbon offset programs to balance out the rest.
Remember, we don’t have to be perfect—we just need to be consistent. Every small shift matters: riding a bike instead of driving, choosing plant-based meals, avoiding fast fashion, or supporting local and sustainable businesses. These actions contribute to a broader climate-positive movement.
Together, We Make the Difference
Climate change is the defining challenge of our time. It’s not a future problem—it’s a current climate emergency. But the good news is, we are not powerless. Each decision we make can lead to a healthier, more stable planet. From reducing energy use at home to making low-carbon lifestyle choices, your actions have power.
Let’s move from intention to action. Because when it comes to the climate, every step counts. Every person matters. While your carbon footprint is your responsibility—its also your opportunity.
If you’re publishing this online, I recommend:
- Including a carbon footprint calculator link (like WWF or EPA).
- Adding internal links to other articles on climate or sustainability.
- Using meta tags and a strong meta description like:
“Learn how your individual actions can reduce your carbon footprint and help fight climate change. Small lifestyle changes can lead to a big impact.”